In the history of Indian cricket, several talented bowlers have left their mark in Test matches, contributing to the team's success. Over the years, these individuals have showcased their skills and determination, taking the most wickets for the Indian cricket team. This article explores the exceptional achievements of the leading wicket-takers in Test matches for India.
Anil Kumble, one of India's finest spinners, had an illustrious career spanning from 1990 to 2008. He played 132 Test matches, bowling a staggering 40850 balls and claiming 619 wickets. Kumble's best bowling figures in a Test innings were 10/74, and his best match figures were 14/149. With an average of 29.65 and an economy rate of 2.69, he maintained an impressive strike rate of 65.99.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a versatile off-spinner, has been a vital asset to the Indian cricket team since his debut in 2011. With 474 wickets in 92 Test matches, Ashwin has proven his mettle on numerous occasions. His best bowling figures in an innings are 7/59, while his best match figures stand at 13/140. Ashwin boasts an excellent average of 23.93 and an economy rate of 2.76, with a strike rate of 51.84.
Kapil Dev, an iconic figure in Indian cricket, is renowned for his all-round abilities. As a fast-medium bowler, he played 131 Test matches between 1978 and 1994, accumulating 434 wickets. Dev's remarkable performance of 9/83 in an innings remains etched in cricket history. With an average of 29.64 and an economy rate of 2.78, Dev maintained a strike rate of 63.91.
Harbhajan Singh, a skilled off-spinner, represented India in 103 Test matches from 1998 to 2015. He took 417 wickets throughout his career, with an exceptional best innings bowling figure of 8/84 and best match figures of 15/217. Singh maintained an average of 32.46, an economy rate of 2.84, and a strike rate of 68.53.
Ishant Sharma, a reliable fast bowler, played 105 Test matches for India from 2007 to 2021. Sharma's accurate and consistent bowling earned him 311 wickets, with a best innings bowling figure of 7/74 and best match figures of 10/108. With an average of 32.40, an economy rate of 3.15, and a strike rate of 61.60, Sharma proved to be a vital component of the Indian bowling attack.
Zaheer Khan, a left-arm fast bowler, showcased his skills in 92 Test matches for India between 2000 and 2014. Khan claimed 311 wickets, including a best innings bowling figure of 7/87 and best match figures of 10/149. With an average of 32.94, an economy rate of 3.27, and a strike rate of 60.40, Khan made significant contributions to India's Test success.
Ravindra Jadeja, an exceptional all-rounder, has been a key figure for India since his debut in 2012. As a left-arm spinner, Jadeja has taken 268 wickets in 65 Test matches. His best innings bowling figure stands at 7/42, while his best match figures are 10/110. Jadeja has an impressive average of 24.28, an economy rate of 2.44, and a strike rate of 59.56.
Bishan Singh Bedi, a left-arm spinner, represented India in 67 Test matches from 1966 to 1979. He took 266 wickets throughout his career, with a best innings bowling figure of 7/98 and best match figures of 10/194. Bedi maintained an average of 28.71, an economy rate of 2.14, and a strike rate of 80.31.
Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, a leg-spinner, played 58 Test matches for India between 1964 and 1979. He claimed 242 wickets, including a best innings bowling figure of 8/79 and best match figures of 12/104. Chandrasekhar had an average of 29.74, an economy rate of 2.70, and a strike rate of 65.96.
Javagal Srinath, a fast bowler, represented India in 67 Test matches from 1991 to 2002. He took 236 wickets throughout his career, with a best innings bowling figure of 8/86 and best match figures of 13/132. Srinath maintained an average of 30.49, an economy rate of 2.85, and a strike rate of 64.00.